Threat Signal Rational Eyes
Gomek Records Gomek002 2005
By Jason Jordan
Fear Factory peaked with Demanufacture, even though their subsequent albums were good. Of course Digimortal and Transgression stained an otherwise unblemished discography, but on the whole, the Californians are generally a safe bet. Nonetheless, in lieu of FFs fuck-ups, meet Threat Signal a band that clones the Fear Factory sound, circa Demanufacture, and plays it with Meshuggah-esque tenacity and prowess. If youre willing to discard that unavoidable craving for originality for seventeen minutes then take a stab at these Rational Eyes.
As it stands, Threat Signal hail from Canada, and have tapped into whatever liquid it is that allows Canadians to excel at music. In fact, despite this being their first demo, the group has already fallen into a big, fat stinky pile of success because Nuclear Blast scooped em up for European distribution. They also recorded their upcoming full-length Under Reprisal with none other than producer Christian Ole Wolbers. Unsurprisingly, Rational Eyes borrows that trademark Fear Factory approach, nearly replicating the Demanufacture genes to a tee. Howard emulates Meshuggahs Kidman by utilizing similar gruff devilry, which the former pairs with melodic, elongated shouts not unlike those of Burton C. Bell. One Last Breath is intriguing insomuch as its guitar leads are reminiscent of ones played by the fallen Dimebag Darrell (ex-Pantera, ex-Damageplan). And I like A New Beginning and Inane too, though not quite as much as the others. By the way, with a title like Rational Eyes, wasnt I doomed to think about Meshuggah from the start? You know, Rational Gaze? Nothing? Never mind, I give up.
Contrary to what you might think, Threat Signal have crafted a demo using fine production values. I have no complaints other than the obvious lack of uniqueness, which doubles as a thorn in the side of Rational Eyes. Still, Fear Factory and Meshuggah adorers take note, cause this mob is evidently bent on some kind of destruction. Hell, theyre probably better than one of the two bands I just mentioned, and dont forget to download this from Gomek Records. Its free, plus it comes with interviews, liner notes, wallpaper, and Wal-Mart coupons.
7.5/10
Official Threat Signal Website
Official Gomek Records Website
Gomek Records Gomek002 2005
By Jason Jordan
Fear Factory peaked with Demanufacture, even though their subsequent albums were good. Of course Digimortal and Transgression stained an otherwise unblemished discography, but on the whole, the Californians are generally a safe bet. Nonetheless, in lieu of FFs fuck-ups, meet Threat Signal a band that clones the Fear Factory sound, circa Demanufacture, and plays it with Meshuggah-esque tenacity and prowess. If youre willing to discard that unavoidable craving for originality for seventeen minutes then take a stab at these Rational Eyes.
As it stands, Threat Signal hail from Canada, and have tapped into whatever liquid it is that allows Canadians to excel at music. In fact, despite this being their first demo, the group has already fallen into a big, fat stinky pile of success because Nuclear Blast scooped em up for European distribution. They also recorded their upcoming full-length Under Reprisal with none other than producer Christian Ole Wolbers. Unsurprisingly, Rational Eyes borrows that trademark Fear Factory approach, nearly replicating the Demanufacture genes to a tee. Howard emulates Meshuggahs Kidman by utilizing similar gruff devilry, which the former pairs with melodic, elongated shouts not unlike those of Burton C. Bell. One Last Breath is intriguing insomuch as its guitar leads are reminiscent of ones played by the fallen Dimebag Darrell (ex-Pantera, ex-Damageplan). And I like A New Beginning and Inane too, though not quite as much as the others. By the way, with a title like Rational Eyes, wasnt I doomed to think about Meshuggah from the start? You know, Rational Gaze? Nothing? Never mind, I give up.
Contrary to what you might think, Threat Signal have crafted a demo using fine production values. I have no complaints other than the obvious lack of uniqueness, which doubles as a thorn in the side of Rational Eyes. Still, Fear Factory and Meshuggah adorers take note, cause this mob is evidently bent on some kind of destruction. Hell, theyre probably better than one of the two bands I just mentioned, and dont forget to download this from Gomek Records. Its free, plus it comes with interviews, liner notes, wallpaper, and Wal-Mart coupons.
7.5/10
Official Threat Signal Website
Official Gomek Records Website
